Canberra Birthing / Midwifery Centre, TCH

[Apfel]

Hi All!

Am off to my 1st appointment with the midwife this week, and was wondering if any other ACTers who had been through TCH Birthing Centre could shed a little light on what to expect in my 1st appointment? Up til now I've just been seeing my GP.

Thanks!

[tormy]

heya

from what i can remember, i had to answer alot of questions, and they give you your record book, and your baby bag thing. You may even get to hear ur bubs heartbeat (dont be worried if they can't find it) - it took them 15mins to find my boys at my first appt. Also they measure your fundal height and make sure its all on schedule. Also if you haven't done so already book all your appts in now - as it fills up quickly!

[mamabel]

Hi Apfel, yes as tormy says, alot of questions. they want to know about any previous pregnancies and general health, inlcuding some family history like blood pressure, diabetes etc. this gives them the whole picture. Best thing about this model of care...no internal exams!! (if all is good) hated those when i had an OB. they will just have a feel and measure fundus as PP said.

write down any questions you want to ask because i always find when i am answering so many i forget what else i want to know :doh:doh

good luck

[Apfel]

Hi, thanks both for your help!

The 1st visit went really well, lots of questions and a feel of the tummy, oh and a HB of course, and everyone was lovely. I'm even more excited to be going through them!

[Pregnito]

I have my first midwife appt on Friday at home. What sort of things did they ask and do?

[Apfel]

Pregnito, hi there and congratulations!! Also, well done on getting in to the Birthing Centre!

There was lots of general health questions - medical background, any pre-existing conditions, as well as your living standards and lifestyle now (smoking, exercise etc). They will give you lots of general information on everything from breastfeeding to child restraints to sids info - thankfully they also give you flyers so you don't have to remember everything!

They'll book in all your appointments up to the due date, which is handy! I'm feeling very organised :D

There were also basic checks; blood pressure, height and size of uterus (external exam) and we got to listen to the heart beat too :smiliedance:
Plus there is lots of time for you to ask any questions you might have about anything they've mentioned or anything you've been wondering about yourself - very handy!

Hope it goes well for you! The only thing I was a little worried about before hand was if I didn't get along with the midwife (or the student midwife - I said yes to having one accompany me)... and they were lovely!

Hope you're feeling well,

Apfel